Domestic football

Hoddle leaves Wolves

Glenn Hoddle has resigned as manager of Wolves. The former England manager joined the Championship club in December 2004 but, despite an impressive end to that season, failed to steer Wolves to promotion last term.

Wolves finished eight points off the play-offs in seventh position and, after the parachute payments that followed relegation from the Premiership in 2004 ended, the club announced they would have to make stringent cutbacks.

Central defender Joleon Lescott has joined Everton, while several other first-team players have left the club or have yet to sign new deals, including veteran former England midfielder Paul Ince.

Hoddle, who was linked with the Southampton job last season, said that he felt the club's pre-season expectations had failed to match his own. In a statement released by his representatives, Hoddle said: 'I wish to announce my decision, with immediate effect, to resign as manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.

'It has been a very difficult decision but I feel that my expectations and the club's expectations have drifted too far apart in recent weeks. This decision has been made early in pre-season for the benefit of the club.

'I would like to take the opportunity of thanking the board, players, staff and fans for their support and efforts and wish everyone connected with Wolverhampton Wanderers every success in the future.'

Tottenham head coach Martin Jol believes he has signed one of the best midfielders at the World Cup after acquiring Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who looked impressive for his country in their debut World Cup finals appearance, joins from St Etienne. Jol told the club's website: 'Didier was regarded by a lot of people as one of the best midfield players going into the World Cup and he proved that in the group stage. A lot of clubs were after him, we had to compete for his services and he is a very good signing.'

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